It was too hot to do much today, so I finished off the Argentinian Inshore Squadron for my on going 'What If?' pre-dreadnought solo campaign. These are all Tumbling Dice 1/2400th scale models from either the Victorian range or the Age of Battleships range. The Chileans are now looking a bit feeble so I'm going to paint up the protected cruiser Chacabuco and the old central battery ironclad Almirante Cochrane to beef up the fleet.
This extract from the Australian Official History is the inspiration for a scenario I'm going to write for Algernon Pulls It Off! It's a bit different as it involves at least four different types of aircraft all with very different performance and armament, as well as a range of pilot abilities.
I have another source which identifies that the two German aircraft were an Albatros D.III and a Rumpler C.I type two seater in a fighter role, with the AFC flight being a real mish mash. The Germans definitely have the edge in this one but the Aussies will have objectives to even the odds.
The models for this will be 1/600th scale as I can modify a Tumbling Dice BE2c and a Brisfit into the BE2e, BE12 and Martynside G100 Elephant, while the Rumpler can be converted from an Albatros C type.
I asked Dan Arute at Flight Deck Decals if he could produce a set of insignia for Jasta 18 in both 1/300th and 1/144th scale. He has now confirmed that he can do this, subject to a bit of research and design work, with the beginning of August as a likely date. This is fantastic news, as Dan's stuff is top notch and will be perfect for decking out my 1/300th printed aircraft models, once I get round to painting them of course. Tally Ho!
I've been doing some research for some more scenarios today, this time focussing on the early victories of the Eindecker aces in 1915. The idea is to write a trio of scenarios that would focus on some of the famous German aces, as they develop their tactics and experience, featuring a range of different opponents and aircraft. It's early days yet but this could be a really good basis for another article or just for a series of enjoyable 'duel' type games using a variety of interesting early war aircraft.
The Algernon Pulls It Off! Facebook group is going very well and picking up new players on a regular basis, but there is still a lack of games being played and posted as after action reports. To remedy this, I've set up a challenge for next month, so that the number of games increases, which should in turn attract even more interest and involvement. Of course, this also means that I'll be playing some more of my scenarios, which can't be a bad thing either!
I spent a relaxing hour or so this afternoon blocking in the Argentinian coastal and riverine models, ready for an overall ink wash. They look a bit bland at the moment but will be highlighted and detailed once the ink wash has been applied. I've also blocking in the decks of the Chilean ships and will move onto those once the Argentinian models are finished.
I've set everything up for a solo game of the Dawn Patrol scenario tomorrow, if it's not too hot to allow me to use the garden table outside. I've wiggled the set up to allow an additional dummy blind for each side, which should add to the 'fog of war' aspect of the scenario. I'll post an after action report when the dust has settled. Chocks Away!
I have just acquired a second hand copy of these American Civil War naval rules, having heard good things about them from several people. I'm pretty sure you can download them for free from somewhere but I do like a hard copy and it wasn't expensive. I quite fancy some 1/600th scale ironclad action at some point too, as I have a big box of models waiting to be assembled and painted, including a double set of CSS Virginia and USS Monitor from Thoroughbred Miniatures, which is smashing. Another project that I meant to get around to years ago!
I bosh painted these Tumbling Dice Friedrichshafen G.III tactical bombers today in my day off, as it was too hot outside to do any gardening. They are deliberately a bit vanilla as I wanted to finish them in one go, so no fancy camouflage or other time consuming frippery. I just need to work out a scenario to use them in now?
The 3D prints of an RE8 and Halberstadt CL.IV arrived today from Danger Close Studios and they are excellent. They're definitely printed to a higher quality than Big Jim Prints and in a more robust resin, with good detail but still tough enough to be handled for wargaming. The comms with Jason were excellent with very fast turnaround and delivery. I think I've found my 'go to' 3D print provider and will definitely order some more for small 'duel' style scenarios. Excellent!
I found a 3D printing company on eBay the other day, Danger Close Studios, which offers a range of 1/144th scale First World War aircraft for very reasonable prices. I've ordered an RE8 and a Halberstadt C.IV to have a look at what the prints are like, and so that I can scale up the 'Hande Hoch!' scenario play testing for a potential demo or participation game.
